I did a quick look around but didn't see anything that could answer my question, I suspect it's already been asked so sorry for the redundancy.

I'm looking to purchase a new PFD, and I'm fairly new to sailing so I'd like to hear suggestion on getting the best one. I plan to wear it the whole time, so what makes a comfy PFD? Where should the bulk be located? Front, back high, low, all over? It might be pertinent to know that I'm tall and skinny.

You want a sailing or kayaking lifejacket so it's more comfortable when trapping . Zhik gill or Baltic buoyancy aids would be the most comfortable but if you want a coast guard.approved one the stolquest wedge or hobie sidezip ones are nice.

I bought a stohlquist wedge, bought 2 for my brother and I. The website says about $89 found them else where for about $50. We love these PFDs. They have this rubbery material on the inside of the front of it that helps it not ride up on you. these are really comforable sitting down, witch was suprising. we were in the water with them last weekend, when we pitchpoled and as far as them riding up in the water, i didnt even notice it. (of course it was really cold and all i was concerened about we getting the boat flipped back over.) Also the zipper pocket on the front of it is great.

I really like my kokatat PFD. I bought it about 8 years ago for a canoeing trip to the Boundary Waters and have been using it ever since for sailing as well. The pockets are great for carrying my knife, multitool, phone, and VHF radio. The most important feature is that it is cut very high so that it isn't uncomfortable to sit.

Buy local, not just to support the local dealer, but because you will want to try the lifejacket on with you harness too. Put it on and sit down on the floor like you would on your boat. Does the jacket push up or ride up? Does it cover your harness hook when sitting? If so, it may be too long. If you are in the water, will it keep you from climbing on the boat? will it get in the way? Depending on your shape and size, you may want a different vest from others. Best wishes.

Hammond has it right. Get one you are confortable in, that you can wear ALL day with the features you want (pockets, adjustments, how it feels hiking out/trapping, heck even color, etc.). Don't scrimp, it could save your life.

Hammond has it right. Get one you are confortable in, that you can wear ALL day with the features you want (pockets, adjustments, how it feels hiking out/trapping, heck even color, etc.). Don't scrimp, it could save your life.

THIS.

There's a saying I hear a lot in response to this question: "the best life jacket is whatever one you'll actually wear". life jackets do you no good strapped to the trampoline.

Like others have said, go to a local store and try them on with all your gear (if you sail in a drysuit, bring that too). While you're wearing it, raise your arms over your head and have someone try to pick you up by the shoulder straps. Not only will this ensure that it's not going to ride up in the water, this is how someone would haul you back onto a boat, so you need to make sure they're not going to just pull the life jacket off you.

I use West Marine's Action Reflex vest, a fully adjustable Type III vest that can be had for $40 - $50....

If I was in the market for a new vest, I'd consider the Neil Pryde High Hook vest even though it isn't coast guard approved. It's similar to the Zhik and Gill buoyancy aids but can be found online for half the price....

I'm happy with a MTI vest. It's short so there's no issues with sitting down. You can get it with either a zip front or triple clasps. I like the zip front. It also has a cinch at the bottom to adjust room for clothing or a harness.